SSS contribution hike to beef up benefit payments for members

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The Social Security System (SSS) on Monday said that the 2023 contribution increase would help fund higher benefit disbursements to its members.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Michael G. Regino explained that the four-stage contribution rate hike readies the SSS fund for the future needs of its members.

Starting January 1, 2023, the new contribution rate will be pegged at 14 percent, up by one (1) percentage point from the current 13 percent.

“We have already expanded the benefits to our members such as the unemployment benefit, and maternity benefit under the Expanded Maternity Leave Law (EMLL). Both these benefits, however have no particular source of funding but since 2019, we have continuously given these benefits to our members,” Regino said.

From 2019 until October 2022, SSS has already disbursed P3.78 billion in unemployment benefits to more than 287,000 members.

Likewise, the annual maternity benefit disbursement rose by 78% from P7.07 billion in 2018 to P12.54 billion in 2022.

The SSS Chief also said that the previous contribution increases boosted benefit disbursements for its members.

“From January 2019 to October 2022, we have released P822.86 billion benefits to our members, which is 38% higher than the P596.30 billion benefit disbursements from January 2015 to December 2018 prior to the amendment of the Social Security Law,” he added.

Moreover, Regino said the latest SSS actuarial valuation revealed that the fund life would last until 2054. “The reforms in the contribution rates are among the factors that helped boosted our fund life brought by Republic Act No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018,” he added.

This is an indicator that the pension fund has enough funds to support the short-term and immediate financial needs of our members and pensioners in the decades to come.

Under the Social Security Act of 2018, SSS should gradually increase the contribution rate until it reaches 15 percent by 2025. The four-tiered contribution increase will ensure the pension fund’s financial viability for the benefit of its members, pensioners, and their beneficiaries.

Under the new rate, employers would shoulder the one (1) percentage point increase for its members with employers. The employee’s share will remain at 4.5 percent, while the employer’s share will increase to 9.5 percent from the current 8.5 percent.

For individual paying members such as self-employed, voluntary, non-working spouse, and OFW members, they will shoulder the whole 14 percent contribution rate since they have no employers.

Moreover, there will be an adjustment to the minimum monthly salary credit (MSC) from P3,000 to P4,000, while the maximum MSC will increase from P25,000 to P30,000.

“The new SSS contribution rate is also a great opportunity to help our members beef up their retirement savings through its mandatory provident fund program or the Worker’s Investment and Savings Program (WISP). We want our members to have a comfortable retirement after their productive years. Every additional peso that a member contributes is more savings for their retirement. This is the principle that we want them to adapt---WORK, SAVE, INVEST, and PROSPER,” Regino concluded.

Unprecedented FIFA World Cup edition

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The 2022 FIFA World Cup in the State of Qatar, is  an unprecedented edition in history. Where the facilities and events where interconnected in a way that ensures the preservation of the environment, and the experience of each football fan, was planned according to his/her desires and interests. It is the first time that the largest football tournament in the world was held on Arab country, and the FIFA World Cup is the first in terms of close distances between stadiums, which made it easy for fans to attend two matches in one day.

The journey between any of the FIFA World Cup stadiums in Qatar took no more than one hour. This means that fans were able to cheer their favorite team at Al Janoub Stadium, south of Doha, in a match that took place during the afternoon, and then joined the atmosphere of excitement in another match held at Al Bayt Stadium - Al Khor City, northern Qatar, on the evening of the same day.

Fans commuted to the matches by metro, cars, trains, motorbikes, as well as water taxis, using advanced transportation systems that helped made the 2022 tournament the most environmentally friendly version in the history of the FIFA World Cup. All accommodation options, both budget and luxury, are located within short distances from the tournament facilities which is another factor in facilitating the fan experience.





Fans Special Experience:

The 2022 FIFA World Cup gave football fans complete comfort and freedom of choice, so that each of them can form their own experience in this exceptional tournament by all standards.



Countdown for the greatest event Started:

By November 21, 2021, began the countdown to the world's largest sporting event, the World Cup, towards November 21, 2022 in Qatar.



Qatar Aspirations

This year's celebration reflects the tight interconnection of the Qatari people with the environment. Raised, coexisted and influenced by the characteristics of nature, the colors of soil, sea, and sky and the transformation of seasons, played an important part in forming their personality and identity. It is in a way mirrors the national vision of the State, which is promoting loyalty, solidarity, unity, as well as pride in the national identity of the State.



Shura, the Partnership in the State Governance:

Also part of its endeavors to achieve the National Vision 2030, the State of Qatar witnessed in October this year, the first legislative elections in its history. It is in an important move towards developing the legislative and political process, laying the foundations of Shura and expanding the participation of citizens in governance. This move, which reflects the traditions of the state of Qatar, represented by the just and rational governance linked to the people, shows the solidarity and cohesion of the Qatari society, as well as its tolerance to moral values and love for the country.




Qatar the Pioneer in labor Law Reforms

In the context of legislative reforms, wise leadership paved way to reforming labor policies, which constituted a new era for Qatar and regional labor market. It is a roadmap described by many countries as a "giant step", echoing the State's commitment to giving migrant workers more freedom and protection, providing employers with more options.



40th Anniversary of bilateral relations with Philippines

This year 2021, marks The 40th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of the Philippines.

The State of Qatar gives great importance to its bilateral relations with the Philippines and seeks to deepen its strategic partnership in the field of politics and economy.

Hosting almost a quarter of a million with all rights and privileges:

The State of Qatar hosts more than 242,000 Filipino workers, occupying various sectors. In addition, there are also more than 200 Filipino companies operating in Qatar market engaged in different activities, as well.

Base on the spirit of principles of justice and equality, the State of Qatar has always valued the roles played by Filipino workers and their contributions to the development of Qatar.

We do not forget to refer to the latest legal initiatives, which include setting the minimum wage, simplifying the procedures for transferring workers between employers, and abolition of the sponsorship (Kafala) system in the recruitment and employment of migrant workers.

Celebrating the National Day of the State of Qatar

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Remarks of Mr. Abdullah bin Salem Al-Khawar - Chargé d'Affaires a.i
Embassy of the State of Qatar - Manila
The National Day of the State of Qatar - December 18, 2022

 

On this day, we are pleased to celebrate the anniversary of the founding of the first modern sovereign state, based on values of dignity, originality and affiliation, by Sheikh Jasim bin Mohammed Al Thani, on December 18, 1878.

On this occasion I am honored to extend my most sincere congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar - "May Allah protect him"-, the Father Amir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani - "May Allah protect him"- to His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Amir of the State of Qatar, and to His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the State of Qatar.

I also convey my warm congratulations to the noble Qatari people, as well as to all the residents in the State of Qatar. I wish Allah, the Almighty, to bless this occasion and perpetuate good health, security, stability and further progress for our people and for our beloved country,

 
Qatar National Day is a great occasion, where the people of Qatar show cohesion, solidarity and unity, in meanings of love for homeland, loyalty to ancestors and fathers and their unforgettable sacrifices. It is the Day of Pride for the wise leadership of H.H. the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, May God protect him, the leader of Qatar’s achievements and promising future.

The slogan of Qatar National Day 2022 (Our Unity Source of Our Strength) quoted from a speech by His Highness Sheikh/ Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, "May God Protect Him"- affirms solidarity among our people to face challenges and to achieve common objectives.

This slogan comes in connection with the country's hosting of the World Cup FIFA Qatar 2022, which began on November 11 and will continue until December 18, 2022 and everyone’s eyes from different cultures are all focused to Qatar.

The celebrations this year also express the intellectual and social bond in response to the many challenges, which the people of Qatar carried together in good and in unpleasant times.

It is the spirit of unity that made Qatar what it is now, with the strong ability to surpass every pressing issue of the country’s socio-economic, political and military hurdles over the years.



This year’s Qatar National Day is a very significant moment as it also coincides with the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Hosting this event has revealed to the world Qatar's cultural identity and its economic, security and administrative capabilities. Its tangible achievements in all fields reflect Qatar’s keenness to consolidate the national culture in the hearts of our future generations.

Hosting FIFA also opened a gate to bringing people together, with unified sentiments and affirmation that the world can unite to face major disasters and challenges that could threaten humanity.

Our hosting of FIFA Tournament is indeed exceptional in the history of sports, as it is the first time that it is being held on Arab land.

The use of modern and advanced transportation systems that converges distance of one stadium to the other makes this tournament the most environmental friendly version.

The State of Qatar is grateful to the other friendly countries and people for the support and praises conveyed to Qatar for organizing this major global humanitarian event. Qatar also affirms that this unique and inspiring experience belongs to all humanity.

On this year's celebration also includes 4,500 accompanying cultural and heritage activities that will span within 24 days to further enhance the atmosphere of loyalty, solidarity, unity and pride in the national identity.

In concurrence with the activities of the National Day and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the activities of Katara 12th Traditional Festival, were launched in Qatar last month, with the participation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, the Republic of Iraq, the Yemen Arab Republic, the Republic of Türkiye, and the State of India, the Federal Republic of Tanzania.

This edition of Katara Festivals was characterized by a rich program of cultural activities and events keeping pace with the global sports event the country is witnessing. This included 40 pavilions for the participating countries, and 32 traditional loaders flying the flags of the countries participating in the World FIFA Cup.

The activities of Katara festival shed light on the customs and traditions of the fathers and grandfathers in fishing and diving trips, which contributed to preserving the cultural stock and the popular heritage rich in environmental values, and encouraged their consolidation in the hearts of generations, and pride in them.

Over the past years, the festival has achieved great success as the most important international gathering venue for cultures and heritage, restoring the maritime heritage in all its originality, arts and traditions.

With respect to the well-being of expatriate workers, the 2022 World Cup has become a channel for reform on worker’s welfare laws that is to mention raising accommodation and treatments standards for the employees, wherein the State has included programs that will ensure workers of proper care. safety , healthy condition and conducive working condition.

The Workers' Welfare Standards are a set of legally binding contractual obligations that the state of Qatar uses to guarantee workers' rights to all contractors. It is applied according to an advanced audit system that includes inspections by the country's Ministry of Labor, among other levels of audit.

The State of Qatar continues to adhere to an open dialogue with international organizations concerned with labor, and has launched a number of initiatives to protect workers' rights, such as signing a Memorandum Of Understanding with the Building and Wood Worker's International Federation, to conduct joint inspection tours of stadium sites, and choose advanced refrigeration products, to give workers a more comfortable and safe environment.

A healthy nutrition program was also recently launched in cooperation with health experts in this field, from Weill Cornell Medicine in the State of Qatar, to educate workers, contractors and food supply companies, on the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle.

May I humbly refer to the report issued by the International Labor Organization on November 01, 2022, which praised the reforms undertaken by the State of Qatar in the field of labor. The reforms highlighted fair treatment and improvement of the working and living conditions of the migrant workers.

The State of Qatar has made great progress in its labor reforms since its technical cooperation with the International Labor Organization in April 2019, despite the many challenges that still hinder implementation procedures.

We also give emphasis on Qatar’s several changes in the Labor Law back in August 2020, which includes the abolition of the required "No Objection Certificate (NOC)" to change work or employer. This was the latest in a series of labor reforms. Since then, the Qatar Ministry of Interior has approved nearly 340,000 requests from migrant workers to change jobs.

Moreover, 14 new Visa Centers were also established in many countries, as well as the establishment of joint committees to facilitate the participation of workers in companies.

Further to issues of labor reforms, even before the start of the FIFA World Cup 2022, there were about 280,000 employees working under high temperature condition benefited from the raise on wages, overtime pay and separation service fee.

The International Labor Organization, the International Trade Union Confederation and the International Organization of Employers praised the efforts made by the State of Qatar to modernize labor laws.

It cannot be considered that labor laws are mere agreements or Memorandums of Understanding, but that they are legislation enshrined in laws. There is a system of application, represented in the labor courts that work to achieve justice for workers in the State of Qatar.

These reforms represent a new era for the Qatari labor market at the regional and international levels, and a roadmap that can be described as "reflecting the state of Qatar's commitment to granting migrant workers more freedom and protection, and providing employers with more options."

The State of Qatar is keen to support all efforts aimed at promoting civilized and cultural openness between peoples. It attaches great importance to developing its relations with countries and regional and international organizations. It also contributes to efforts to enhance international peace and security through mediation aimed at resolving disputes by peaceful means, in addition to supporting development and stability projects in various countries.

The mediation of the State of Qatar in Sudan, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Chad and others, has also created path towards peace, stability and development, not only in those countries, but also at the regional and international levels.

The State of Qatar firmly believes that peaceful means are the best path to resolve conflicts and end wars.

I am pleased to commend the level reached by the bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of the Philippines, after the two nations celebrated last year the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Republic of the Philippines has opened investment opportunities between the two countries, thus, resulting to expansion of trade exchange and frequent mutual visits of in both countries, both in government and in private sectors.

This cooperation also led to the conclusion of many joint Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding, which strengthen bilateral ties, as the State of Qatar attaches great importance to the Philippines and seeks to deepen its strategic partnerships in various fields.

The celebration of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations is an occasion to revive the bonds of people's friendship, and to establish values ​​of optimism for a bright future, especially that Qatar hosts more than 300,000 Filipinos working in various vital fields.

The State of Qatar greatly appreciates the role of the Filipino workers in the renaissance and development of the nation.

In response to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar - "May Allah protect him", the State of Qatar is exerting great efforts to further intensify its ties with the Republic of the Philippines, especially under the current Philippine Government headed by His Excellency Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr, President of the Republic of the Philippines, who has previously expressed the same desire with the State of Qatar, especially in the field of investment and trade exchange, among other vital areas, including health, energy, education and culture.

In conclusion, I can only pray to Allah Almighty to bless our country, the State of Qatar, the friendly Philippine government and its beloved citizens.

Peace, Allah's mercy and blessings be upon you!